On the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, at the Pacification Office's drill ground.
This drill ground was originally used by the garrison for training soldiers. It was spacious enough to accommodate more than a thousand people for drills.
The ground was first compacted with loess, and with soldiers training here year-round, the ground had long since hardened.
At the beginning of the morning, the drill ground was already filled with onlookers.
The debate between Cloud Dragon Lower Court and Golden Leaf Temple had been circulating for months, and everyone in Yunyang was eagerly anticipating it.
Today is the day for the debate, so many people rushed over to watch the spectacle.
August is when the sun is at its strongest; by 9 AM, it can already make people sweat profusely.
Most ordinary people, however, didn't care at all. They were used to being exposed to the wind and sun and didn't think it was a big deal.
The high-ranking officials and nobles of Yunyang all sat below the south city wall, where the wall blocked the sun.
Some particular families would set up large umbrellas or use screens, large pieces of cloth, or other items to create a barrier, completely separating themselves from other households.
Those who could sit beneath the south city wall were either rich or noble.
Although the Zhang Household has recently encountered numerous troubles, they remain the largest clan in Yunyang City, occupying the largest central area and setting up barriers around it to completely separate themselves from other families.
As Zhang Shihong's legitimate daughter, Zhang Yun also had a seat in the corner.
She was impatient to listen to her uncles and elders discussing matters, so after sitting for a while, she got up with a maid and went to find Jin Ying.
Only Jin Ying from the Jin Household came. She was bored being alone, so she was very happy to see Zhang Yun and hurriedly went to greet her.
The two sisters hadn't seen each other for a while, and they held hands, chatting intimately, clearly in good spirits.
"It's a pity that Yuzhen isn't here, and Mingxiu has left too, leaving only the two of us..." Zhang Yun sighed softly. She didn't have many friends to begin with, and Peng Yuzhen and Pei Mingxiu were both very smart, elegant in speech, and knowledgeable, so they could chat together.
Without two friends, her life suddenly felt much quieter. Now, thinking of them, she can't help but feel a little sad.
Jin Ying nodded. "Indeed, we didn't feel it when they were here, but once they left, we felt empty inside."
"It's been so long, and Mingxiu hasn't sent a single letter. I wonder how things are going?"
"I heard Yunze is in great danger, I'm really worried about him." Zhang Yun nodded in agreement.
"I also asked Master Wuji, and he said he hadn't received the letter either," Jin Ying said casually.
Zhang Yun's eyes revealed curiosity. "Have you met Daoist Zhou Wuji?"
"Yes, he is indeed handsome and refined, and his speech is elegant and composed, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze."
Jin Ying was quite excited and proud when she talked about this. She couldn't find anyone else to brag to, so she could only tell Zhang Yun about it.
"He is indeed a remarkable person."
Zhang Yun nodded in agreement, then changed the subject, saying, "However, I've heard that Yuan Yi of Golden Leaf Temple is already Sixth Rank monk, which is quite impressive."
Her family strongly supports Golden Leaf Temple, especially after all these events that have greatly damaged the Zhang Household's prestige. They hope that Golden Leaf Temple can step forward and suppress Cloud Dragon Lower Court.
Jin Ying also showed a worried expression. "Indeed, the Vajra Incantation of Golden Leaf Temple is skilled in close combat, and this time the restriction on Law Artifact is a great disadvantage to the Lower Court..."
Her family were wealthy merchants, so they had better access to information.
She even knew some things about Zhang Yunfeng and Zhang Banshan, but she didn't want to discuss it with Zhang Yun.
As the two were talking, people from Golden Leaf Temple and Cloud Dragon Lower Court arrived.
Zhou Wuji wore a Daoist robe embroidered with star-gold patterns. The star-gold embroidery shimmered faintly in the sunlight, making him stand out even among a group of Daoists.
The common people were even more excited, and many pointed and whispered about Zhou Wuji. Some praised Zhou Wuji as a god-like figure, clearly an enlightened being.
Some people also knew Zhou Wuji, saying that he was the one who solved the blood sacrifice case and helped capture Chen Dalu. It was all because the Pacification Office was incompetent and let Chen Dalu go that the shocking bloodbath on Old Dragon Island was triggered.
Ultimately, it was all due to the incompetence of the Pacification Office, and it was only thanks to Master Zhou and the Lower Court that Yunyang was saved...
Chen Dalu performed a blood sacrifice on Old Dragon Island, killing nearly ten thousand people. Countless people hate him to the core.
There are many eyewitnesses to this story, and it cannot be kept secret.
Therefore, after that incident, the Lower Court's reputation soared in Yunyang, especially among the common people, who held Lower Court in high esteem.
Hearing the discussions among the people, Zhou Wuji remained expressionless, but inwardly he felt a sense of pride.
What people said wasn't an exaggeration; they didn't even fully explain his importance.
He was well aware that while the word was spread spontaneously by the common people, it was also spread by people sent by the Lower Court of Commons.
The Lower Court naturally wouldn't specifically praise him, but rather emphasize the Lower Court contributions.
Regardless, he's become quite well-known in Yunyang. Those past six months haven't been wasted!
Today's debate is quite important; Prefect Wang Yan and Commander Zhai Jun of the Pacification Office are both present.
The newly appointed prefect, Wang Yan, was tall, with a ruddy complexion and bright, piercing eyes. He wore a round-necked brocade robe and a black gauze hat, and looked full of energy.
Although neither of them wore official robes, they both sat in the main seats, flanked by Zhihe and Xinjue.
If it's supposed to be a debate on scriptures, you can't just start by resorting to physical violence; that would be too crude.
As agreed beforehand, Golden Leaf Temple first sent a monk to the stage to recite the Diamond Sutra while.
After the monk finished speaking, Zhou Wuji went up on stage to preach the " Supreme Mysterious Spirit Northern Dipper True Scripture ".
This scripture is the foundation of the Northern Pole Sect, and the first thing a novice learns upon entering the school is to memorize it.
This scripture is required for reciting in various rituals such as sacrifices and prayers.
Zhou Wuji was chosen to preach the scriptures because Zhou Wuji had the best appearance and the most outstanding demeanor.
Even if the true scriptures speak of the simplest of truths, they are still too complicated for ordinary people who can't even read many words.
Therefore, the most important thing when giving a sermon is to observe one's demeanor, bearing, and personal charm.
"Once you enter the Mahayana path, you will be familiar with countless eons. You are neither born nor die; your desire for rebirth arises from the lotus flower..."
Zhou Wuji the opening verse of the scripture, his voice clear and melodious like the striking of a jade chime, pure and clear like the flowing of a spring.
Although the crowd still did not understand the scriptures Zhou Wuji spoke of, they all felt that what Zhou Wuji said was the ultimate truth, making them sincerely admire him and want to kneel down in worship.
Indeed, many people knelt down and prayed, saying, "May the Northern Emperor protect us, grant us blessings, longevity, and peace..."
Upon seeing this, the monks of Golden Leaf Temple all turned pale, and some even whispered curses, "Spreading heresy and misleading the public!"
Regardless of what they said, they all knew in their hearts that Zhou Wuji's way of preaching truly possessed a certain air of dazzling eloquence described in Buddhist scriptures...
Some people also looked at Yuan'an, who was giving the sermon. If Yuan'an hadn't performed so poorly, the scene wouldn't have been so ugly.
Yuan'an looked helpless and turned to his senior brother Yuan Yi for help.
Yuan Yi was six feet tall, with long eyebrows and tiger-like eyes. He had a dignified appearance and wore a brown monk's robe. Standing there, his gaze was calm and he naturally exuded a composed and serene demeanor.
Yuan Yi's gaze swept over the restless crowd, and he said in a low voice, "Fellow disciples, why the need for this?"
One sentence silenced everyone, and no one complained anymore.
Yuan Yi's gaze fell on Zhou Wuji on the podium. Just as others had said, this young Daoist was handsome and refined, truly like Celestial Person.
In terms of demeanor and bearing alone, even Xinjue is far inferior. In fact, no one in the entire Yunyang Prefecture can compare to her.
Such a person is truly born to preach; no wonder the Lower Court values him so highly.
Yuan'an whispered in Yuan Yi's ear, "This man is cunning and ruthless. He has killed countless people under his command! Only ignorant people would be fooled by him."
"When the duel begins later, Senior Brother, you must be careful of this person!"
Last time, he took three blows from Zhou Wuji on Old Dragon Island and was almost killed on the spot. Since then, he has deeply hated Zhou Wuji.
Yuan Yi: "I see that his True Qi is pure and refined. He doesn't need to exert any effort; his voice fills the training ground as if he is reciting scriptures in everyone's ear."
"With such skill, he must have already opened the Heavenly Gate and advanced to the Sixth Rank. He is indeed not to be underestimated."
Yuan'an suddenly realized, "So that's how it is! No wonder I couldn't beat him."
He then pleaded, "Senior brother, you must help me avenge myself."
"You have a very good foundation, but you are misled by ignorance and anger, which has hindered your spiritual practice."
Yuan Yi said seriously, "This is a major taboo."
Yuan'an was so ashamed by what he had been told that he dared not speak ill of Zhou Wuji anymore.
Zhou Wuji recited the scriptures without explanation, and finally he loudly proclaimed. "May the Northern Emperor protect me, granting me blessings, longevity, and peace."
The crowd below joined in the chanting.
Many of the high-ranking officials and nobles below the south wall also rose, bowed, clasped their hands, and murmured, "May the Northern Emperor protect us, bringing us blessings, longevity, and peace."
For a moment, the entire venue was filled with this sentiment...
Prefect Wang Yan, seated in the main seat, smiled and said to Zhihe, " The Lower Court's Daoist practices are profound and effective, educating and enlightening all beings; its goodness is immeasurable."
"You flatter me, sir. I am unworthy of such praise," Zhihe said modestly.
He had only met Wang Yan twice and didn't quite understand his temperament. Anyway, humility was always a good thing.
The monk Xinjue smiled obsequiously from the side, but he Xinjue very uncomfortable. This new prefect was so biased towards the Lower Court, and the Zhang Household had been having a series of misfortunes, which was very detrimental to Golden Leaf Temple.
In today's debates, they believe that only by suppressing the Lower Court in front of everyone in Yunyang Prefecture can they gain fame and earn the respect of everyone in Yunyang.
Xinjue glanced at the people in the Lower Court. Apart from Zhou Wuji, it seemed that only that young female cultivator had a good foundation. He wondered if she was even at the Sixth Rank.
Li Fei, a centurion, came to ask for permission. With Wang Yan's consent, he went up on the stage to announce the Dharma discussion and exchange between Golden Leaf Temple and Cloud Dragon Lower Court.
When the crowd heard that action was finally about to be taken, most of them cheered and jumped for joy, and the whole place was in an uproar.
It was nearly noon, and the blazing sun overhead was so bright that it was almost impossible to open one's eyes.
Yuan'an was the first to appear, followed by Wuai from the Lower Court.
As the original number one Swordsmanship in the Lower Court, Wuai a wooden sword with great energy. He had also enhanced it with the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation beforehand. Wearing a bright blue robe with flowing sleeves, he also had a touch of elegance.
Yuan'an held the wooden stick and blessed himself with the Vajra Incantation and the Skanda Incantation.
The two fought on a platform about ten feet high. Their cultivation levels were similar, with Wuai Ke's Swordsmanship being superb, while Yuan'an the advantage in terms of power and weight.
The platform was only a few dozen feet in diameter, which was still somewhat disadvantageous for Wuai. After fighting for several dozen moves, the platform was eventually swept away by Yuan'an's staff.
Although Wuai wasn't injured, he felt very embarrassed and retreated somewhat awkwardly.
The second was Wuhe, who, relying on his sharp edge, first defeated Yuan'an, then Yuanzhen, but was knocked off the platform Yuanjing Gen's serendipity.
The third is Wuleng's appearance. She didn't even need ten sword strikes to force Yuanjing off the high platform.
Seeing the fierce and powerful Sword Qi of Wuleng, the people of Golden Leaf Temple all looked rather grim.
Yuan Yi calmly stepped onto the stage. Only after Wuleng used the Northern Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Talisman to re-bless himself with the azure light robe did he put his palms together in greeting.
Wuleng was not good with words. He simply cupped his hands and raised his sword to fight. Yuan Yi raised his wooden stick to respond. His stick technique was very simple, consisting of only a few basic stick moves such as sweeping, chopping, and pointing.
But his body was surrounded by hundreds of golden runes, and every time he struck out with his staff, it stirred up gusts of wind and thunder, truly displaying the awe-inspiring power of Vajra subduing demons.
When the first blow was unleashed, none of the onlookers were prepared. They were all stunned by the thunderous sound of the long staff, their faces turning ashen, and some of the more timid ones even fell to the ground.
Although many high-ranking officials and nobles were knowledgeable, they had rarely seen such a fierce and imposing aura, and many of them turned pale at the sight of it.
Jin Ying looked worried, not about Wuleng, but about Zhou Wuji.
The Zhang Household was overjoyed. Golden Leaf Temple Golden Leaf Temple was now an ally of the Zhang Household, and its strength made up for the Zhang Household's lack of military power.
Wang Yan, watching from the main seat, had a serious expression. The young monk from Golden Leaf Temple was so powerful; it was truly beyond his expectations.
Even Zhai Jun's eyes showed a bit more seriousness. Yuan Yi Sixth Rank cultivator, clearly possessed pure martial arts skills and profound incantations, making him an extremely powerful figure among Sixth Rank.
Although the female cultivator was Sixth Rank cultivator, she was still far from being strong enough. Moreover, she was on a high platform, and she would be defeated in just a few moves.
Even if Zhang Banshan hadn't died, he might not have been able to defeat Yuan Yi...
Zhai Jun glanced at Zhihe beside him, somewhat curious whether any of the younger disciples in the Lower Court could actually defeat Yuan Yi!